Santa Cruz Llanganuco 4 & 5 day trek

Punta Union Pass 4750m

Timing: 4 or 5 daysGrade: Medium

An exciting shorter trek in the Cordillera Blanca. Its popularity is due to the spectacular mountain views, crystal blue lakes and the challenging pass Punta Union at altitude 4750m. An amazing variety of scenery in only 4 or 5 days and an achievable high mountain trek for all people with a love of the outdoors & reasonable fitness level.

This is a great trek to combine with the a 4 or 5 day trek to Machu Picchu for those people who would like to see a wide variety of scenery in the Peruvian Andes with only limited vacation time (see our Peru Contrasts Treks). It is also an excellent trek to use as acclimatisation for climbing in the Cordillera Blanca.

Fiorenza from Italy said: We just wanted to thank you again for the hospitality we received in Huaraz and the beautiful Santa Cruz trek, of which we enjoyed every minute. The organization was perfect, the food very good and the crew members friendly and very kind

Day 1: Drive from Huaraz to Cashapampa 2800m 3 hours. We meet our donkey drivers, load all equipment onto donkeys and start trekking. We hike continuously upwards following the Santa Cruz river, first we are in a narrow canyon and then after lunch the country opens up into a wider valley and we start to see the snow covered peaks. We camp in an open field near the river at Llamacorral 3750m 5 hours.

Day 2: An easier day hiking in a wide open valley. We pass by two small lakes and then we have our first glimpse of the famous Alpamayo peak. We camp at Taullipampa 4250m, a beautiful campsite surrounded by towering peaks and nestled near the bottom of Punta Union Pass. 4 hours.

Day 3 (or 4): Climb steadily up for 2 to 3 hours to the pass Punta Union 4750m then descend past a small alpine lake where we often stop for picnic lunch. Continue the descent towards the Huaripampa Valley before leaving the main trail and traversing through low bush to our camp in a secluded valley away from the main trail at Paria 3850m. 7 hours.

Day 4 (or 5): Follow easily down the valley Quebrada Huaripampa passing through farming settlements and villages, and then a short climb to the road end at Vaqueria 4 to 5 hours walk. Our private van will take us over the pass Portuchuelo 4767m, passing the famous Llangunuco Lakes and then to return to Huaraz.

If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be Trekking and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private trek or would be happy to join with other people.